Marcelo Bielsa has admitted he left nothing to Uruguayan football after Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Guadalajara. The 70-year-old Argentinian coach, who took over in 2023, will not continue in the post after a disappointing campaign that saw Uruguay fail to win a single game in a group that included Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay's World Cup Campaign
Uruguay drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia and 2-2 with Cape Verde, needing a point against Spain to progress. However, they managed only one shot on target, which came in the 83rd minute. The decisive goal was scored after an error by 40-year-old goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who was withdrawn at half-time. Bielsa said Muslera asked to be taken off. He also substituted Federico Valverde, who left the pitch angrily with his shirt covering his mouth. The defeat extended Uruguay's run to seven games without a win, including a 5-1 loss to the USA.
Bielsa's Admission
“I have not left anything to Uruguayan football,” Bielsa said. “A coach who has been in a country for three years and not got results cannot say he has made a contribution. Fourth place in the qualifiers has no value and nor does third at the Copa América and there is no need to even define this performance [at the World Cup]. My time doesn’t say anything.” He added: “We could have seven points but we have two. This is the result of my management. It was my job to manage a group of players that I did not manage to turn into a force. I am responsible for all the disappointment because of the job I did.”
Spain's Concerns
Spain's joy at qualifying in first place was marred by injuries to Yéremy Pino and Nico Williams. Pino suffered a suspected broken collarbone and left in a sling, while Williams limped off. “The worst thing is the tremendous pain we have because of what happens to Yéremy, who could miss the rest of the World Cup,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said.
